TRIBUTES have flooded in for a little girl who was killed by a falling tree in a park while visiting with her family.
Seven-year-old Leonna Ruka, from East London, was visiting Southend-on-Sea in Essex for the day.
Essex Police scrambled to the scene on Saturday after the tree collapsed in popular Chalkwell Park, crushing a group of children.
A six-year-old girl, who was also caught under the tree as it fell, is still fighting for her life in hospital.
Three other children were also hospitalised with minor injuries.
Locals said the very old cedar tree had been propped up by metal supports for at least a decade and it was a “known danger”.
Leonna’s family have described her as “the light in their lives” in a touching tribute.
“It is with broken hearts and unimaginable pain that we share the devastating loss of our beloved daughter Leonna.
“Our beautiful, bright, and loving little girl, taken from us far too soon.
“Leonna was more than just a child – she was a light in our lives and in the lives of everyone who had the joy of meeting her.
“She was an intelligent and curious soul, full of energy and creativity.
“We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to everyone who has supported us – our family, our friends, our community, and all who stood by us in Southend and beyond.
“Your generosity, your prayers, and your support have meant more to us than words can convey. In our darkest times, you reminded us that we are not alone.”
The little girl had been rushed to hospital but tragically died.
Leonna and her family, like many others, flocked to the busy park that day to enjoy the sunny weather.
Devastated locals have posted on social media to share their condolences to her family.
One said: “All of Essex stands with you.”
Councillor James Courtenay said he believed the tree – understood to be one of the oldest in the park – had been supported by poles for years.
One witness said he would “never forget the screams” that rang out as the tree crashed down.
On Sunday morning, locals placed flowers, soft toys, and cards at the site of the tragedy, while officers were seen investigating behind a police cordon.
A cricketer for Old Brentwoods Cricket Club, was playing an away game against Westcliff at the time of the incident, had dashed to the scene and helped free the children.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Express: “Everyone just got their hands on it, and we managed to move it quite quick.
“I saw the little girl underneath the tree and straight away, I was like she’s going to be no older than my oldest girl.”
He added: “There was a lot of females watching and they were just crying. Even some men were crying, I’m not going to lie.”
‘TRAUMATISED’
Another witness told the Mirror two children were under a smaller branch, and “they were rescued easily”.
But the other two girls “were stuck under this massive tree”.
A local business owner told MailOnline the park was “absolutely heaving with families and kids” who will have been “traumatised”.
Assistant Chief Constable Lucy Morris said: “All of our hearts break for Leonna and her family.
“To lose a child in any circumstance is unthinkable, to lose a child in this terrible way defies all belief.
“Everyone – from my officers and staff, to ambulance, fire and council colleagues, to the public of Southend and across the country – is struggling to come to terms with what happened on Saturday.
“We are all hoping for a positive outcome in relation to the little girl who remains in hospital.”
Cops thanked the public for their help over the last few days, commending the brave onlookers who jumped to help.
“The actions of those in the park who immediately did all they could to help are a continual reminder of the true spirit of the city of Southend.
“I thank everyone for the overwhelming messages of support for the families impacted.”
